KUALA LUMPUR – Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil said Putrajaya was not involved with the report that led to the sedition charge levelled against Perikatan Nasional chairman Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Instead, Fahmi explained that cabinet members were informed in today’s meeting that the legal action came following a police report lodged by the Pahang palace, rather than one filed by the government.
The charge arose from remarks allegedly made by Muhyiddin during a political speech that touched on royal matters during the recent Nenggiri by-election.
“The government did not intervene in this matter. The police investigated the matter and charges were made following the investigation.
“There were claims and slanders (made against the government on this matter). (Therefore) It is important to remind (everyone) that the original report (filed) was from the Pahang palace.
“This is similar to the sedition case made against Kedah Menteri Besar (Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor) where the police report was filed by representatives from Istana Selangor,’’ said Fahmi in the ministry’s weekly press conference in Putrajaya.
On Monday, Muhyiddin pleaded not guilty to the sedition charge at the Gua Musang sessions court in Kelantan.
The Pagoh MP denied the charge, brought under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries a fine of up to RM5,000, imprisonment for up to three years, or both if convicted. Muhyiddin, 77, made his plea before judge Nik Mohd Tarmizie Nik Mohd Shukri.
Search operation to recover Vijaya Lakshmi continues
In a separate matter, Fahmi also disclosed that the cabinet was briefed by Federal Territories Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa on the ongoing search-and-rescue operations to recover Indian national Vijaya Lakshmi, who fell into a sinkhole in Jalan Masjid India in Kuala Lumpur last Friday.
He noted that the cabinet has not yet decided whether to halt the operation, now in its sixth day.
“Therefore, as long as the cessation of the (search) is yet to be announced, the operation continues,” he added.
Additionally, Fahmi mentioned that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had asked him to inform the public that the government has not initiated any donation drive for Palestinians brought into the country on August 16 for medical treatment.
He urged the public to be cautious of social media posts promoting donation drives for Palestinians currently receiving treatment in Malaysia.
Those who receive such messages are encouraged to report them to police or the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. – August 28, 2024